A Song of Hope

This will not be a typical blog today.  Instead, mainly words to a song that has consumed my thoughts today- A song which has moved me to tears more times than any other song in my life.  I think it's because the words sum up everything that makes my heart beat...especially in the dark days. The lyrics to this old tune offers Hope. I decided to post them because, well... I don't know.  I needed them. Maybe you need them today, too?   

     Because He Lives

God sent His Son, they called him Jesus

He came to love, heal and forgive;

He lived and died to buy my pardon.

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives 

I can face tomorrow;

Because He lives all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living just because He lives!

How sweet to hold our newborn baby,

And feel the pride and joy he gives;

But greater still the calm assurance,

This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

And then one day I'll cross that river

I'll fight life's final war with pain;

And then as death gives way to victory,

I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He reigns.

Because He lives 

I can face tomorrow;

Because He lives all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living just because He lives!

I was reminded today of how much hurt and heartache this life brings. As I often do when I need to think and pray, I sat at my piano bench and began to play, this time from an "old favorite". Eventually, I came across this song and was reminded of how much more hope there is than heartache, all because of Jesus. 

It's not the first time this song has stopped me in my tracks and brought me to tears.  Not tears of sadness, but of joy and hope. I still miss my dad and Daryl's dad. Death and disease are so hard.  As I was praying for friends whose son has been moved to a hospice home, I couldn't think of better words to meditate on than these. I especially love the words "But greater still the calm assurance, this child can face uncertain days because He lives."  I have no idea what my future holds for me or my kids or friends, and that can be unsettling when I take my eyes off of Jesus. But when I fix my eyes on Him, I remember that He really does hold the future, for all eternity.  I love that!

Sometimes I wonder what it must be like for those who've already gone on before us, who are in the presence of God, as they sing songs, maybe like this one.  How much more whole-heartedly they must sing at the top of their lungs since their eyes get to behold Him.  Oh, what a day that will be!!!